Blogging

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

I am trying to blog to promote my shop. Would anyone be willing to share tips, tricks, advice or insight? Stories of what has worked for you...

I have two specific questions...
1. How do I make tabs at the top of my blog
2. How do I add a part to my page where people can add a listing or link to their shop so that I can help promote others as well?
***If you help me on this part I'll be sure to post an update when I have put it on my blog so that if you choose you may add your shop or listing

Please add your blog in your comment so I may follow you :)

Thank you all for your time and gracious help!

Deidre

[Former_Member]

What are you using for your blog? Wordpress? Blogger?

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

blogspot.com

[MythOfTheWild]

On blogspot, press "new post". Next to it at the top it'll say "new post" "edit posts" "edit pages" (or maybe "new pages") Click the page tab and create a new one, just enter a title. There should automatically be the "pages" gadget added to your blog which automatically lists any pages you've created. This can be managed by going to "Design" and editing the appropriate gadget.

As for allowing people to add links to their shop, I've seen this used: http://www.inlinkz.com/?refId=12320
I don't know how to install it because I've never looked into it, but it allows visitors to add their links to your page.

I will say this though: I created a blog to promote my shop, and it didn't work. The only way that it will work is if you only mention your shop occasionally, because people will not be interested if you only post about your shop. I decided to turn the blog into a more craft-based site, and I post printables/tutorials/recipes once a week, usually a friday, and I feature members from Etsy, from both my team Etsian Ballyhoo, and things that I've added to my favourites that week.
I would suggest don't talk about your shop unless you want to mention that you have a sale going, and instead make sure you post the Mini Etsy at the top of your blog so that it can be clearly seen.

This is my blog (as you can see by the name it was initially for my shop, but I intend to change this soon to make it more stand-alone):
http://peachesandpebblesweekly.blogspot.com
As you can see, my mini etsy is right at the top and clearly seen, I've also added christmas shipping deadlines in an even clearer place (which is more important, and also lets people know that you have a shop straight away if they've just wandered in). I also try to make sure I post worth-while content for my followers. The best thing to do is to put the focus onto other members of Etsy - interview them, feature them, etc - and then give them the link once you've posted it. Most people (but not all) will then post a link to that page on their own blog, or their facebook, twitter, etc, which also draws in new traffic. These new people will see your etsy mini (I suggest having the max 5 thumbs - it'll help people get a real feel for your shop) and if they like what they see, they'll come over to your shop. If they don't, but they like your blog, they'll follow you, and the next time you mention a sale, they might be inclined to look again, and maybe buy.

That's the best advice I have for you on this specific subject. Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Hello! I see Kim's point of view and a craft-based blog is always a good thing. But I took a completely different approach to my blog. I integrated my blog into my own personal website. That way my blog can act both as a blog and marketing tool. It also allows a platform outside of Etsy to show and promote my work. I use Wordpress and it has proven to be a wonderful (and versatile) system.

www.Porcuprints.com/blog

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

This is my work in progress, let me know what you think if you have a chance...

http://artisticcreationsbyd.blogspot.com/

[MythOfTheWild]

First of all, make it less wide. I have a screen that is slightly wider than average, and it's causing a scroll bar to appear at the bottom even for me. It makes the page seem not-so-well put together, and unfortunately it's your mini etsy that's being cut off.

Now, I know that more can be better, but you've chosen the small gallery view (I think it's called that) of the app, which makes pieces harder to see. This, on one hand, can trick people into your shop, but you don't want to be that kind of girl! Make sure people can see it!

Also, consider changing the colour of the navi bar. Go into the design page again where you can edit your gadgets, and click the navi bar edit button on the layout spread. Green is a difficult colour, I don't know whether it's light or dark, but at the bottom of the list of navi choices, choose either transparent dark or transparent white (they're shown as black and white at the bottom, but they change depending on your background). It makes it seem a little tidier.

Thirdly, your little section between your posts and your title. It's a little hard to read, and the link is also a little messy. As I don't use an "about" section on my blog, I don't know if you can use HTML. I don't think so, though. What you -can- do though is remove the about section altogether, and drag a Link or HTML/Javascript gadget there, and remove the full "www.etsy.com/shop/artisticcreationsbyd" and instead just have "ArtisticCreationsbyD" linked to the shop.

These small changes are the best place to start.

After that, when you're writing posts, consider making them longer and more involved. Talk about yourself and your experiences, techniques and such if you want to keep it focused on your work, but don't forget to -be a real person-. Let people know you live and breathe and aren't just a suit! Just by being an accessible human being, you can boost your sales, your views, and your following! People will be interested, because you're -not- just selling your product, you'll be selling a part of -you-. I know that sounds cheesy, but that's what art is, isn't it?

[Former_Member]

Deidre:
I love the colors of your blog and the width doesn't affect me at all.

I would, however, consider combining your various tabs. I see the appeal of keeping them separate, but I would separate them with tags rather than tabs. You can even rewrite your tagline to reflect your varied interests, like "Current Projects and Other Interesting Things by Deidre" (or something like that...)

I especially think that the Weekly featured shop should be a big part of your blog, not on a separate tab that people have to go searching for.

And Definitely make your etsy shop url into a Link so people can click on it rather than having to cut and paste into a browser.

These are just a few thoughts, and if it doesn't feel right for you, ignore them. Just my two cents!

Best of luck!

[InspiredTheory]

I've just started blogging myself, and am struggling to get going, so I really appreciate this discussion.

My blog: http://inspiredtheory.blogspot.com/

[Former_Member]

Hi Deidre. I was just on the blog, left a comment for you. One thing I wanted to note is the script font you are using in some areas is VERY hard to read. Your visitors may find it frustrating at times. If you could even just make it bigger, that might be good. (You can do this in advanced theme settings on Blogger.

Love the blog!
(Another) Deirdre
Handmade Underground

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

Thank you all :) I will def be making many changes this evening!

Kim- Youre referring to the gallery view of the Etsy Mini correct? Ill change it to the other setting, hopefully that helps :)

Alexia- I'm new to blogging, whats a tag vs a tab? It took me a few hrs to figure out where the tabs were haha

Deirdre-I will def be changing the font, I tried to earlier but I think there was a glitch and whenever I hit preview (after update lol) it didnt seem to want to show any changes.

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

Ahh having trouble changing the font on gadgets. Doesnt seem to want to work still

[Former_Member]

Hi Deidre,

I think you are off to a great start. Very nice. I also have a blog on blogspot.com and I'm so glad you posted because I learned a few new things myself. I promoted my blog through business cards, Facebook and Etsy teams to build a network of followers. Now I am making my own bookmarks with my shop and blog info on the back. I plan on leaving it at local public libraries for people to take for free.

One thing I have found that worked for me is that people like to learn something new. They will follow a blog that they feel they will get useful info on a consistent basis. My shop is nature photography and upcycling...so my blog is about providing lots of info about recycling that you don't find in the mainstream media. You can look at it if you want...it's www.greenersecondchances.blogspot.com. I hope these ideas help you. Good luck, you are off to a great start.

[MythOfTheWild]

Just had another look, your blog is looking a lot better now! The links are stille hard to read, but I will point out that you don't have to -display- the entire link. You could just type "Lovely Items from Etsy Success" and then highlight it and press the link button, and add the link itself into that field. It'll be shorter, look tidier, and people will know what it is. The font in this respect is still hard to see, though, but otherwise it's looking a lot better!

[RetroChalet]

Going back to the above advice on width sizes, what are most people using as size on their blogs? I have tried to keep mine within 1200 or less but noticed that on the mobile phone it's cut off anyways.

[Former_Member]

A blog takes a lot of work to be successful as a promotional tool. Getting followers is tough and it really only works if you have a lot of followers.

[ArtisticCreationsbyD]

Thanks, I am trying to change the font on links and text in gadgets but for some reason it reverts to that default font and I can't seem to find where it was even set as "default" to change it.

[Former_Member]

etsy seems to be very popular on tumblr. but only about plugging items specifically... I dont see any blogs dedicated to etsy. I want to start one!

[Former_Member]

Silly question, but how do I follow your blogs?
I have just started one, but haven't done much with it yet. I wanted one to have giveaways there and maybe later put up some tutorials.
But I would love to follow some blogs :)

www.sosweetbows.blogspot.com

[CarolaBartz]

I had my blog before I had my shop on Etsy. Blogging is very time intensive since you want to build up a followship. In order to find followers you have to interact with other bloggers, which means reading their posts and leaving comments. Usually people visit you back (not everybody does that, though) and if they like what they see and read they will become your followers.

My blog is about photography and my art work, so I have decided to only have two columns on my page. This enables me to have bigger photos which is a very important part of my blog. I have had good experience with the small gallery view of Etsy mini on the sidebar. Since I already had a nice followship of my blog when I opened my shop on Etsy, many of them came by and paid a visit - and my first sales actually were purchased by readers of my blog.

I promote my shop every now and then in the posts, but usually I stick to what I have always done - photography, art work, a little bit about my life. Being honest and authentic is important. The most reactions I get when I am open and honest and truly me. It's the blogging community that really is the heart of blogging.

Good luck with both your blog and your shop - I think you're off to a good start!

www.carolabartz.blogspot.com

[trinketsbydana]

All good pointers to start off with Deidre.
I wrote some tutorials on coding here on my blog as well. Check it out!

www.trinketsbydana.blogspot.com

Giveaway going on right now too!
http://trinketsbydana.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-ant-beads-giveaway.html

[Former_Member]

http://flowerpower-sharmon.blogspot.com/

Deidre,
I made my blog on blogspot. com and I had never did this before. I found it very easy and they have many different templates and choices. It was very easy to do and they prompt you and walk you through it very good.
I wish you all the luck and when you get it up and going I would love to follow you.
I also would love it if you joined mine!
Visit with you soon:)
Big sky blessings,
Sharmon

[AnnaDelores]

Blogspot is definitely easy to use and can grow with you as you learn, too! I got a bunch of new followers by doing a giveaway on my blog; that's probably been my best marketing tool for my blog thus far, though mine is still young, too.

I'm launching a series of "featurettes" for holiday shopping at a selected number of (my personaly favorite) Etsy shops; first one just posted! I'm hoping that will draw some new friends. :)

http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com

[LovgrenandDaughter]

Well, ladies and gentlemen - it is official. I am old. I have never been an early adopter but trying with the blog - Has done me in. My eyes glaze over, my mind swirls into all the computer programs and edits and tools.

I've told my niece to turn that crap down. J-Rock Japanese pseudi punk.

I learned PASCAL in college. I wrote on Windows BEFORE Edlin (before Windows had a desktop - yes, it did. You had to enter from a C: prompt. Really.

Maybe some who takes pity on me could tell me the easiest one to use?

I admire the easy technology adapters. Bless you; you are the future.

<Country Western Song> I've been hit by a dump truck on the Information Superhighway....

btw - Information Superhighway is what ee called it before e-everything. and the dot com phase. When on the line meant someone was on the phone.

lol. smirk, sigh. Onwards and upwards! Social media mavens part the waters, I'm jumping in.

[Former_Member]

I hope you don't mind me saying this. But you have too many different font choices on your blog. Some of which are really hard to read and people will turn away from. Try to make it most consistant. I would suggest using the same font you have on your banner as the headline font.